Midterms Could Deliver Historic Firsts Across the U.S

Tuesday's midterm elections could produce historic firsts, including the first Native American female governor, first Black female governor, and first openly gay and Muslim U.S. senators, among other milestones. Most groundbreaking candidates are Democrats, but Republicans also have potential firsts. Voters may elect Deb Haaland as New Mexico's governor, Mary Peltola or Peggy Flanagan as the first Native woman senator, and Keisha Lance Bottoms or Lisa Demuth as the first Black female governor. Abdul El-Sayed could become the first Muslim senator, and Chris Pappas the first openly gay senator. The U.S. could gain seven additional Black governors, and a record number of women are running for governor and Congress. Advocates credit diverse organizing efforts for expanding the electorate, though some candidates downplay the historic nature of their campaigns.